Fluke Of Nature – Holiday With The Whales On The Fraser Coast

Whale watching is one of the world’s great natural experiences, and nowhere is it as alluring as in the calm waters of Hervey Bay.

Every year thousands of humpback whales travel from Antarctica along the east coast of Australia to give birth in the warm waters of Northern Queensland. On their return migration they stop to rest and play and nurture their calves in the safe waters of Hervey Bay in the protected lee of Fraser Island.

The official season splashes down in early August with the traditional blessing of the fleet and Kingfisher Bay Resort’s popular ‘Advanced Ecotourism Accredited’ tours commence soon after – where the best whale watching spots are just a short journey north from the resort.

Kingfisher Bay Resort’s Head Ranger Colin Anderson said Whale Watching in the bay was an amazing experience to watch, from very close quarters.

“It’s a great quirk of nature to see these huge 40,000kg whales leap out of the ocean, lift their great heads, salute with their flukes and treat onlookers to some amazing water acrobatics with a flick of their tails,” he said.

Ranger Colin believes one of the most amazing developments since the commencement of commercial whale watching in Hervey Bay is the desire of the Humpbacks to ‘socialise’ with the vessels, swimming around and around, often ‘spy-hopping’ for a closer look at the whale watchers on board.

For holidaymakers travelling to the Fraser Coast, there is the added bonus of the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island on the doorstep so whale watchers can combine the best nature has to offer with a visit to the island, all in the one holiday.

Kingfisher Bay Resort has released a two-night ‘Fraser Plus Whales’ package for Aud$378 per person twin share. This includes catamaran transfers from Urangan Boat Harbour to the island, resort hotel accommodation in World Heritage wilderness, hot buffet breakfasts and a half-day Whale Watch cruise to Platypus Bay (just north of the resort) with expert interpretive commentary by the resort’s Ranger Guides.

If you stay and play with the Whales during August, you’ll receive a third night and breakfast free of charge*. Villa accommodation is available for $295 per night for up to four people.

And for an extra ‘wild’ touch, guests can also take advantage of the resort’s free Ranger-guided nature walks and talks during the visit. For information and bookings call 1800 072 555 or visit kingfisherbay.com.

*Some conditions apply. Package is valid for travel up to and including 19 September 2008.